Device for winding and securing a cable and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A cable winding device and method for winding a cable which provides for quick and easy removal of a cable from the cable winder such that the winder may readily be used to wind additional cables without additional parts, and such that the wound cable may be efficiently stored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to cable winding devices, andmore specifically, to a portable, motorized device for winding andsecuring a cable and a method therefor.

2. Description of Related Art

Cable winding devices have long been used in the art, and during suchuse numerous and varied winders have been developed. Some cable windingdevices include portable, recoilable systems, retrievable electric cordreel devices, extension cord/tool carriers, storage reels, cable coilerdevices, and retractable cable winders.

Typically, these and other known cable winding devices include a spoolhaving a flange at both ends of the spool, about which a cable or wiremay be wound and subsequently stored wound around the spool and betweenthe flanges. Unfortunately, however, a separate spool is necessary foreach cable or wire so wound, which is costly, and storage of the cableson the spools is inefficient due to the large size of the spools.

Thus, the above mentioned devices fail to allow for the wound cable orwire to be quickly and easily removed from the spool for reuse of thespool and/or for convenient and efficient storage of the wound cable orwire. Therefore, it is clear that what is needed is a cable windingdevice that provides for quick and easy removal of a cable from thecable winder such that the winder may readily be used to wind additionalcables without additional parts, and such that the wound cable may beefficiently stored.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a cable winding device having agenerally cylindrical spool and means for rotating the spool, wherein acable wound around the spool is removable therefrom by sliding the cableover an end of the spool.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin its preferred form is a device for winding a cable that allows foreasy removal of the wound cable.

According to one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the cord winding device includes a spool having a constantradius such that the wound cable may be removed therefrom by sliding thecable off an end of the spool.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the spoolcomprises a plurality of resilient tines circumferentially disposedabout a longitudinal axis.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the pluralityof resilient tines are deformable in a radial direction to reduce thecircumference of the spool, at least temporarily, in order to facilitateremoval of the wound cable.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, a generallyplanar collapsible elongated member is retained by ends thereof onpillars operably connected to the cable winder.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the pillars aredisposed radially inward of the circumference of the spool.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the woundcable, when removed from the spool, can be secured in the wrappedconfiguration with the collapsible elongated member.

According to another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets therecognized need for such a method by providing a method for securing acable in a wound configuration comprising the step of contacting atleast a portion of the cable in the wound configuration with a generallyplanar cable tie, wherein the contacting step causes the cable tie tocollapse around and at least partially encircle at least a portion ofthe cable to secure the cable in the wound configuration.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the methodfurther comprises the steps of winding the cable around a spool to placethe cable in the wound configuration, the spool having at least one openend, and removing the cable in the wound configuration by sliding thecable over the open end.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the cable tieis removably secured at opposing ends thereof to a cable winding device,and the contacting step includes contacting at least a portion of thewound cable with a medial portion of the cable tie between the securedends.

According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the spoolincludes a plurality of tines arranged about a longitudinal axis and thetines are flexibly disposed allowing for inward radial movement, suchthat the circumference of the spool may be decreased.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to facilitate easy removal of a wound cable from the spool of acable winder such that the wound cable may be conveniently stored apartfrom the spool.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toallow the wound cable to be secured using a collapsible member for quickand easy securing of the cable in a wound configuration.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in theart after reading the following Detailed Description and Claims in lightof the accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best throughconsideration of, and reference to, the following Figures, viewed inconjunction with the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodimentreferring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout thevarious Figures designate like structure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a flange of the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the flange of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a spool according to the preferred embedment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a front cover of the housing ofthe preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a back cover of the housing of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a cable tie according to the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the cable tie of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the cable winder of the preferredembodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the cable winder with a woundcable removed therefrom and positioned to be secured; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the cable wider with the woundcable secured by a cable tie.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely forthe purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neitherdesired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exactdetails of construction shown, except insofar as such details may bedeemed essential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustratedin the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake ofclarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to thespecific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosenfor purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 generally shows an explodedperspective view of various components comprising cable winding device100 preferably comprises rotationally mounted spool 110 including aplurality of tines 111. Each of tines 111 preferably projects generallyperpendicularly from a circumferential portion of circular disc member113. Flange 130 is preferably slidably engaged with spool 110 such thateach of tines 111 protrudes through a respective one of openings 131disposed through flange 130. Flange 130 is preferably formed as agenerally planar circular disc and is preferably configured and arrangedto easily mate with spool 110 and to conform to a shape of housing 120.Flange 130 preferably combines with spool 110 to form open-ended spoolunit 135 having only a single flange, such as flange 130 on first side112 as is shown in FIG. 4.

Circular disc member 113 preferably includes opening 115 disposedcentrally therethrough for operable engagement with shaft 155 of motor150. Motor 150 is preferably an electric motor adapted to rotate shaft155, thereby rotating spool 110 and flange 130 connected thereto, butmay alternatively be any suitable means for rotating spool 110, such asa hand crank, or other suitable motor. In addition, motor 150 ispreferably mechanically coupled to shaft 155 although other connectionmethods may be used, such as magnetic, inductive, fluid, or othersuitable coupling means.

Shaft 155 preferably passes through front cover 121 of housing 120 withmotor 150 disposed proximate interior surface 121 a, and with spool 110disposed proximate opposing outer surface 121 b. Rear cover 123 ispreferably removably connected to front cover 121 defining asubstantially completely enclosed interior space. Motor 150 ispreferably mounted within the interior space and is preferably securelyconnected to rear cover 123 by bracket 160. Power supply means 170 ispreferably mounted to back cover 123 proximate opening 124 such thatbatteries or other power supply may be provided therethrough. Opening124 is preferably adapted to removably receive lid 125 to preventundesired infiltration of dust, dirt, liquids, or other harmfulsubstances into housing 120. Power supply means 170 is preferablyoperably connected to motor 150 for providing suitable electric powerthereto for operation thereof. Switch 180 is preferably operablyconnected to power supply 170 to selectively electrically connect powersupply 170 to motor 150 to selectively engage motor 150 for winding acable around tines 111 of spool 110. cable guide 190 is preferablyoperably connected to housing 120 (such as in front cover opening 121 cand disposed in groove 123 a in back cover 123.

Preferably, flange 130, spool 110, housing 120, bracket 160, and othercomponents of cable winder 100 are preferably formed of a materialselected from the group including, but not limited to 0.06″ ABS, HighDensity Polystyrene, or other suitable natural or synthetic material.Other materials from which some or all of the components of cable winder100 may be formed optionally include lightweight, sturdy materialshaving high durability, resistance to scratching, denting,discoloration, and/or other forms of wear and/or damage, illustrativelysuch as plastic, wood, cardboard, paper material, metal, rubber, epoxy,glass, resin and/or combinations thereof. Preferably, flange 130, spool110, housing 120, bracket 160, and other components of cable winder 100further preferably have additional beneficial characteristics, such aswater-resistance, low cost, ease of workability, and othercharacteristics as will be understood by one or ordinary skill in theart.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-3, flange 130 preferably has a thickness thatis substantially less than a length or width thereof, thereby defining asubstantially planar member. Preferably openings 131 are disposedcircumferentially about central opening 133. Central opening 133 ispreferably adapted to receive shaft 155 or a mechanical fastening meansfor removably attaching flange to spool 110 and shaft 155. Furthermore,flange 130 may, optionally, include a surface, integral therewith orpermanently or removably attached thereto, having beneficialcharacteristics, such as high friction, low friction, soft feel, highdurability, water resistance, matte finish, or glossy finish, amongothers. Front cover 121 preferably comprises the same or similarmaterial as flange 130 and may likewise optionally include a surfacecovering. The material selected for back cover 123 may optionallyinclude high density plastic, such as 0.080″-0.100″ ABS or High DensityPolystyrene, back cover 123 may also optionally include a surfacecovering.

The material selected for tines 111 and/or circular disc 113 mayoptionally include Polyethylene (PE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE),Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET orPETE), Polyamide (PA), Polyester, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and/or Polylactic acid (PLA), amongothers.

Now referring to FIG. 4, cable tie retaining structure 220 is shownpreferably including pillars 221 a and 221 b. Pillars 221 a and 221 bpreferably extend longitudinally from flange 130 and are preferablyadapted to removably retain cable tie 222 by retaining means, such asmagnets 223, hook and loop fastener, e.g. VELCRO, adhesive, or othersuitable means. Magnets 223 preferably retain cable tie 222 in a readyand convenient position, such as proximate ends 111 a of tines 111, foruse in wrapping around at least a portion of wound cable 224.Preferably, cable 224 is an insulated wire cable, such as an electricalcord, stereo cord, or similar cable. Alternatively, however, cable 224may be a optical cable, a chain, a rope or any other similar elongatedwire or tube member.

Now referring to FIG. 5, spool 110 preferably includes tines 111integrally formed therewith and disposed angularly displaced about thecircumference of circular disc 113. Ends 111 a of tines 111 arepreferably rounded to reduce snagging on nearby objects or cable 224,but may optionally be square or other suitable shape and configuration.Preferably tines 111 are resilient and deformable at least to someextent in the direction of arrows 501 which point from the circumferenceof circular disc 113 to central opening 115. When some or all of tines111 are so deformed, the circumference of spool 110 is therebydecreased, allowing wound cable 224 to be more easily removed from spool110 for storage. Preferably, when cable 224 is removed from spool 110,tines 111 return to their original positions generally perpendicular tocircular disc 113. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, manymodifications may be made to spool 110 without deviating from the spiritof the present invention, including modifications to the number, shape,material, arrangement, and/or configuration of tines 111 and/or circulardisc 113. Optionally, tines 111 are not substantially deformable, andpreferably include a low friction surface to facilitate removal of cable224.

FIG. 6 shows a front cover 121 having a relatively small thickness withrespect to a length and/or width thereof, thereby generally defining aplanar member. Preferably, the size and shape of front cover 121 issimilar to and slightly larger than the size and shape of flange 130such that a peripheral portion of flange 130 does not extend past aperipheral portion of front cover 121. Such an arrangement protectsagainst inadvertent or undesired contact between flange 130 and a useror nearby objects to protect motor 150 against encountering unnecessarydrag and against damage to flange, the user, or other nearby objects asflange 130 is rotated by motor 150. Specifically, front cover 121preferably includes peripheral wall 128 projecting out from surface 121b whereby peripheral wall 128 at least partially encloses flange 130.

FIG. 7 shows back cover 123 preferably including molded grip portion 129integrally formed therein whereby a user may conveniently grasp and holdcable winder 100. Back cover 123 preferably further includes opening 127disposed therethrough in a region proximate grip portion 129 such thatswitch 180 may preferably be mounted through opening 127 and preferablybe readily accessible to a user holding cable winder 100 by grip portion129.

FIG. 8 shows cable tie 222 preferably formed as a strap having length Lin a direction from first end 222 a to second end 222 b. Length L ispreferably greater than width W in a direction from first side 222 c tosecond side 222 d. Cable tie 222 is preferably formed of metal andpreferably has a coating of plastic over substantially all of itsexterior surface. Alternatively, however, any suitable materials may beused to form cable tie 222, such as a resilient plastic, so long ascable tie 222 maintains the ability to perform the cable tie function,as described in more detail below. As shown most clearly in FIG. 9, in afirst configuration, cable tie 222 preferably has a modest curvature inthe direction of width W, and is preferably substantially straight inthe direction of length L.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, cable tie 222 is preferably removably attachedto pillars 221 a and 221 b proximate ends 222 a and 222 b such thatmedial portion 222 e is suspended between pillars 221 a and 221 b. Cabletie 222 is preferably removably attached to pillars 221 a and 222 b bymagnets 223, which are preferably operably connected to pillars 221 aand 221 b. Once cable 224 is placed in the wound configuration, such asby securing first end 225 between two adjacent tines 111 with cable 224slidably secured in cable guide 190 and operating switch 180 to windcable 224 onto spool unit 135, cable 224 in the wound configuration maypreferably be slid axially over tines 111 away from flange 130 untilcable 224 is substantially separated from cable winder 100. At least aportion of cable 224 may then preferably be pushed into medial portion222 e, thereby causing cable tie 222 to deform out of the plane of thedirection of length L. Such deflection preferably causes at least aportion of cable tie 222 to become straight in the direction of width W,thereby causing cable tie 222 to curl in the direction of length L.Thus, cable tie 222 is converted from the first configuration describedabove to a second configuration, in which cable tie 222 is curled aroundat least a portion of cable 224, thereby securing cable 224 in the woundconfiguration, and substantially preventing uncoiling of cable 224.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only to show principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willoccur quite often to those skilled in the art, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed. Accordingly, all equivalents and relevant modifications maybe resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. A cable winding device comprising: a rotationally mounted,removable-ended winding spool, said winding spool having; (a) a firstretaining end; (b) an open-ended spool core to define a generallycylindrical space for winding an elongated cable thereon; and (c) asecond retaining end disposed for removable connection to said spoolcore, and for disposition thereon during retention of the wound cableupon said spool, and for removal thereof to remove the wound cable fromsaid open end of said spool; a strap retainer, carried by said firstretaining end and extending generally longitudinally therefrom forsupporting a cable tie; a rotational means for rotating said windingspool; and power means operatively connected to said rotational meansfor rotating same.
 2. A cable winder comprising: a generally cylindricalspool; and means for rotating said spool; wherein a cable wound aroundsaid spool is removable therefrom by sliding the cable over an end ofsaid spool.
 3. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 2, furthercomprising a means for retaining a wound cable securing device, whereinsaid retaining means comprises at least one pillar.
 4. The cable winderof claim 2, further comprising a housing, where in said means forrotating is at least partially disposed within said housing.
 5. Thecable winder of claim 4, wherein said housing comprises a flangeextending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said spool.6. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the saidhousing comprises a back cover, a front cover and a tine cover.
 7. Thecable winding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means forrotating comprises a shaft, wherein said shaft is operably coupled to afirst end said spool.
 8. The cable winding device as claimed in claim 2,wherein said spool has a constant radius.
 9. The cable winder of claim2, wherein said spool comprises a plurality of resilient tines arrangedabout a longitudinal axis of said spool.
 10. The cable winder of claim9, wherein at least one of said plurality of resilient tines is capableof being moved in a direction towards said longitudinal axis to decreasea circumference of said spool.
 11. The cable winder of claim 9, whereineach of said plurality of tines is disposed generally perpendicular toand carried by a disc member, wherein said disc member is operablyconnected to said means for rotating.
 12. The cable winder of claim 2,further comprising means for securing a cable in a wound configurationoperably connected to said cable winder.
 13. The cable winder of claim12, wherein said means for securing is carried by at least one pillar,wherein said pillar is disposed radially within the circumference ofsaid spool.
 14. The cable winder of claim 12, wherein said means forsecuring comprises a collapsible elongated member, said collapsibleelongated member collapsible about a length thereof to substantiallyform a ring.
 15. The cable winder of claim 14, wherein said collapsibleelongated member is removably connected at a first end thereof to anexposed portion of said at least one pillar.
 16. The cable windingdevice as claimed in claim 15, wherein said elongated collapsible membermagnetically connected to said at least one pillar.
 17. A method forsecuring a cable in a wound configuration comprising the step of:contacting at least a portion of said cable in the wound configurationwith a generally planar cable tie, wherein said contacting step causessaid cable tie to collapse around and at least partially encircle atleast a portion of said cable to secure said cable in the woundconfiguration.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the stepsof: winding the cable around a spool to place said cable in the woundconfiguration, said spool having at least one open end; and removingsaid cable in the wound configuration by sliding said cable over saidopen end.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said cable tie isremovably secured at opposing ends thereof to a cable winding device,and wherein said contacting step comprises contacting at least a portionof said cable with a portion of said cable tie between said ends. 20.The method of claim 18, wherein said spool comprises a plurality oftines arranged about a longitudinal axis, said tines flexibly disposedfor inward radial movement, such that the circumference of said spoolmay be decreased.